I receive questions about photography & about being photographed almost daily. I share some of my favourite questions on the blog, so that everyone can benefit from the answers.

Q: I’m an aspiring children’s portrait photographer and have spent the past 2 years learning the basics of my camera and Photoshop at home. Do you think it is important to have photography qualifications to get into the business or is a great portfolio enough?

I don’t think qualifications are crucial when it comes to getting work. Your ability, and confidence level in that ability, matters a lot more. If you feel like you can deliver a quality product to your clients and charge for it accordingly, qualifications don’t matter. However, if you don’t feel entirely comfortable with your equipment, or the level of work you produce, then I think the right thing to do is to get some training, and practice, practice, practice before you start charging money.

It’s also important to realise that just knowing the rules, or having a qualification that says you do, does not necessarily mean that you are able to translate that knowledge into a working situation. That’s why constant practice and shooting a LOT in order to push your skills is so important. A camera is a tool through which you translate how you personally see, and want to present, a scene. You’ll have to be able to make technical decisions based on, not only the external circumstances, but also on what kind of aesthetic, mood and message you want your image to have. There are no universal rules or settings that would work for every situation, especially if you want to make work that is distinctively yours.

Spending a lot of time with your equipment and learning how to use it to deliver your specific vision is the most important thing on the road making work that gets noticed.

Are you a photographer or an aspiring creative business owner? Her Lovely Heart is my way of helping heart-led creatives to run their businesses with purpose, freedom, and joy. By subscribing to the Inspire Your Inbox letters, you’ll gain access to a library of free resources and worksheets, plus regular letters of inspiration from me straight to your inbox. Click here to join and receive instant access to The Library.

The post Do you need photography qualifications appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.

I’ve been meaning to blog about some of my favourite places in London for those wanting to have a love affair with (and in) the city for ages, and today seemed like an apt day to finally do it! Having said that, London holds onto its romance all year around, not just on Valentine’s Day! Below you’ll find a selection of my favourite London locations, and some of my favourite photographs I’ve taken of couples in love in London. Without further ado, come with me and fall in love with London all over again!

Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain

While Picadilly Circus with it’s hustle and bustle isn’t quite what I had in mind for this list, I must begin from the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, and more specifically the iconic statue of Eros that stands in the middle of it. Said to be the most famous statue in London, Eros also known as Cupid, is the God of Selfless Love. That’s why this is where we begin our tour and follow Cupid’s arrow down Regent Street.

Liberty London

If you’re looking for a more romantic shopping (or browsing) experience, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Liberty London. The charm of it’s Tudor revival premises, and the beautiful luxury goods it sells, will make you feel like you’re inside a classic romantic film. The always inventive window displays at Christmas are also something that people travel from afar to admire.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is iconic from literature and movies, and no matter what time of year you stroll around its untamed paths you can’t escape the magic of ‘Lover’s Lane’, where one hand finds another and all the noise and stress of the city falls away. From Parliament Hill you’ll gaze across all of London, spotting landmarks old and new in a skyline which is evolving and reaching higher and higher towards the skies, from the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, to the familiar dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and newer landmarks in the City, such as the Gherkin and the Shard. In the summer, you can cool down by the ponds and relive scenes from famous movies. Grab a bite to eat at the cafe on the east side, or head into Hampstead for a hearty pub lunch.

Columbia Road Flower Market

If you want to treat your loved one (or your Instagram feed) to the most beautiful fresh flowers, it’s worthwhile to start your Sunday early and head to the Columbia Road Flower Market. At this heart-warmingly traditional setting, where the chants of the barrow boys entice you to fill your arms with more and more flowers, you’ll take in all the colours of the rainbow and the most wonderful fragrances of any type of flower you can imagine. And, after getting your floral fix, you might want to head to Ryantown, the store of charming paper artist Rob Ryan, which also resides on Columbia Road along with many other independent shops and galleries.

Kensington Roof Gardens

What’s more magical than real life flamingoes? Head to Kensington Roof Gardens, high above Kensington High Street, and that’s exactly what you’ll find. As well as being the location of a brasserie and a night club, there are three themed gardens, from the Spanish Garden to a Tudor Garden, that are free to visit during the day, and are the home to four resident flamingoes. It’s a little bit like stepping through the looking glass.

Primrose Hill

It’s no secret why Primrose Hill is the chosen area of the creative jet set, from actors to authors. With its chic boutiques and pretty stucco terraces, it’s the perfect backdrop for lazy strolls and sunny weekends spent sipping prosecco in the park. You’ll find many independent shops and places to eat around the hill, and the area is best for spending a lazy afternoon imagining you’ve stepped back in time to a London that’s quickly disappearing.

Leadenhall Market

There are many markets worth visiting in London, from Borough to Smithfield, but no doubt one of the most beautiful ones is Leadenhall Market, with its stunning Victorian splendour. Beware of getting a stiff neck from gazing up at the beautiful gabled glass roofs, which are immaculately preserved. You will recognise corners of the market from many movies from Harry Potter to The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus.

Round the corner, The Royal Exchange is also worth a visit, now beautifully restored and boasting luxury stores within its stunning 19th-century walls.

Peggy Porschen Parlour

The Peggy Porschen Parlour has become a must for couples in love visiting London. Stopping to sample the delicious cakes, and taking a few snaps in front of the picturesque pink frontage of this boutique bakery adds a bit of spring to anyone’s step. Located in stylish Belgravia, continuing your journey after a cupcake and a glass of champagne makes you skip all the way to Green Park.

The South Bank

Over the years, the south of the river has developed into a buzzing, lively hub for culture and relaxation, concentrated around the Southbank Centre. With the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall and galleries galore, you won’t run out of culture and art to experience. Taking a stroll on the riverbank is a feast that will always have something new to offer, from pop-up bars to changing riverside exhibitions and street entertainment. Don’t miss the charming Southbank book market underneath Waterloo bridge, or how in the summer, the pavement in front of the National Theatre gets transformed into the River Stage. You can also find a wide variety of different restaurants catering to most tastes.

If the weather is not playing ball, you can pop into the British Film Institute to catch a classic movie, with a meal afterwards in one of the many restaurants in the area catering to most tastes.

And, of course, for grand romantic gesture you can hire a private capsule on the London Eye and take in the sights of the whole city in style, while sipping champagne with your loved one.

Thames River Cruise

A river cruise is one of the most romantic ways of taking in the sights of the city, while dining out in style. There are many options available, from lunch cruises with delicious locally sourced food, to dinner cruises that let you enjoy the twinkling night time London reflecting back from the water around you. You’ll have unobstructed views of most of the iconic London sights from the Houses of Parliament to London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the Millennium Dome and beyond.

St James’s Park

St James’s Park is often overlooked in favour of the bigger royal parks, such as Hyde Park and Regents Park, but it has a certain charm of its own due to its size and central location. There’s something rather exotic about the lake filled with swans and pelicans, and it boasts the most spectacular display of blossoming trees in the spring. The Blue Bridge, which runs across the middle of the lake, offers beautiful views of Whitehall to the east, and Buckingham Palace to the west. All of London’s big attractions are just a skip and hop away, and the park is usually quieter than other royal parks, offering a perfect place to rest tired feet.

Courtyard at Somerset House

Every time you step into the courtyard in front of Somerset House it slightly takes your breath away. Flanked by the gorgeous 18th-century building, the courtyard has become a hub for culture and leisure. From hosting concerts and other events, to transforming into an ice skating rink in the winter, the courtyard offers magic all year round. In the summer the courtyard is also a home to outdoor cinema screenings, perfect for snuggling next to your loved one under a blanket with a picnic in tow, watching classic movies on a massive screen under the expanse of London night sky.

Romantic places to lay your head in London

After a day traipsing around the streets of London, taking in the layered history of this city, you’ll want to put your feet up somewhere warm and cozy. Here is a selection of my favourite London hotels, each of them offering something special and unique while guaranteed to offer you a restful (or sensual, whichever you prefer!) night.

Zetter Townhouse
Charlotte Street Hotel
Ace Hotel Shoreditch
Number Sixteen
Citizen M Bankside
Dean Street Townhouse

There are so many other spots in London that didn’t make the list this time! If you have lost your heart to a certain corner of London, do pop your tips and thoughts in the comments below!

The post Love affair with London: Favourite Romantic Locations appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.

I’m sorry, I’ve been very bad at blogging lately. I’m going to fix that, soon, but before I get to it properly here’s a little something from the April issue of Professional Photography magazine. Recently, they asked me some questions about how I do my bookkeeping, and I got to praise Light Blue Software (which I love!), and in the end, my ramblings got featured across a whole page, which was unexpectedly nice!

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After the whirlwind of 2015, during which I relocated all the way to the shores of the Atlantic in Cornwall, and when there was no time for a workshop, I’m so happy to let you know that Live What You Love workshop 2016 is happening in October!

If you want to wake up every day feeling as excited about your business, as you do about your photography, this workshop is for you. We’ll talk about how to build a business that feels authentic and meaningful, for both you and your clients. We’ll also have a shoot during which I’ll demonstrate how to direct your couple using the Moment Design (aka Beloved) technique, which enables even the shyest photographers to capture authentic moments and emotions with their clients.

The workshop takes place in an intimate setting in Basingstoke, on Sunday the 2nd of October. You can find all the details through the Her Lovely Heart website.

I keep my workshops small so that everyone has a chance to get their questions answered, which means places are strictly limited. If your heart is pulling you towards it, act fast to avoid disappointment and book your seat now!

The post A workshop for quiet, heart-led photographers appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.

I receive questions about photography & about being photographed almost daily. I share some of my favourite questions on the blog, so that everyone can benefit from the answers.

Q: Do you feel that in order to start charging for photography I should have the highest quality of gear? I work with a Nikon D80 as it was all I could afford, and feel guilty about charging people, even though I do a good job?

It depends a lot on what you do. It’s definitely a fact that the equipment doesn’t a photographer make, and I know cases where, for example, people have sold pictures taken with a compact camera (or even an iPhone!) for huge billboard ads. I think if you’re doing editorial or fine art, or even portrait sessions, you can definitely start with low-end gear and just make sure your work speaks for itself (that’s what people pay for – your eye – not your megapixels or the paper pictures are printed on).

Another matter altogether is if you do something such as working as a photojournalist out in the field or shooting weddings. Weddings demand a lot from your gear. You need fast lenses and you need high ISO capacity for dark churches and dimly lit receptions. You need flashguns to be able to shoot in any conditions, no matter how dark or rainy it gets. And most of all, you need backups for all your gear. You’re in charge of the memories of a once in a lifetime day in your client’s life, and if you’re charging money for capturing those memories you will have to be able to guarantee that your gear is appropriate and that failure of any equipment is not going to stop you from doing your job.

Probably the most challenging thing about weddings is to somehow manage to not think about the challenges and relax. It’s really easy to feel the pressure of everything that could go wrong on a day that’s so important to the couple, but if you feel stressed about it, you’re not really able to fully concentrate on bringing your A-game. The trick is to be well prepared, of which good quality fully working equipment is a big part of. On the day you know that you are prepared for anything and then… let go. Just can then go with the flow and concentrate on finding the best frames you can.

Are you a photographer or an aspiring creative business owner? Her Lovely Heart is my way of helping heart-led creatives to run their businesses with purpose, freedom, and joy. By subscribing to the Inspire Your Inbox letters, you’ll gain access to a library of free resources and worksheets, plus regular letters of inspiration from me straight to your inbox. Click here to join and receive instant access to The Library.

The post Do you need high spec gear to charge for photography appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.

Over the years I’ve been so lucky to return to Cornwall over and over again for some of my favourite weddings, I have to pinch myself when I think that I will be living there permanently, and that these sort of affairs will be ‘the norm’! Cornwall offers many spectacular wedding venues with stunning sea views,  gorgeous beach receptions, and cliff top wedding options like Trevose Head, which is my idea of wedding paradise. Here are some of my favourite memories from Cornish weddings.

Jo & Tom’s wedding at Trevose Head.

Some recommendations for wedding venues & places to stay in the North Cornwall area:

Watergate Bay
Looking for a beach side wedding venue with a gorgeous 2 mile long sandy beach as a backdrop, plus beautiful rooms and incredible restaurants? Perfectly suited for intimate weddings.

The Scarlet
A unique and informal atmosphere catering for intimate weddings for 6, as well as larger weddings up to 78 people. The packages include the ceremony and a meal with spectacular sea views, plus the rooms are to die for.

Fistral Beach Hotel
Get married overlooking Newquay’s epic Fistral Beach – the perfect venue for a laid back relaxed wedding with breathtaking scenery.

Headland Hotel
Organising luxury weddings to suit everyones budget, style and size, this iconic seaside venue allows you to create your perfect bespoke wedding.

Trevone Farm
Planning an intimate family wedding, or looking for a unique place for your guests to stay? These 4 luxury houses will accommodate 26 people and are perfectly positioned for a romantic retreat.

Lewinnick Lodge
If you’re looking for a breathtaking but intimate reception and honeymoon venue, look no further. Sea views, romance and luxury  in modern contemporary rooms.

The Park at Mawgan Porth
A unique place with amazing food, and variety of cool accommodation options to suit every budget and every requirement.

Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall
Offering a stylish wedding venue with views across Watergate Bay, dance the night away after a lavish feast and an  unforgettable wedding day.

The Smugglers Den Inn
Offering views of the valley towards Holywell Bay, this versatile dining venue offers everything you may need for your special occasion including private parking, a separate bar area, and enclosed terrace overlooking the dunes.

Cathryn & Alex’s wedding at Lantallack Farm.

Rebecca & Andi’s wedding in Mawgan Porth.

Penny & Alex’s wedding at Trevose Head.

Some lovely people I’ve worked with in Cornwall:

Bespoke Humanist ceremonies by Zena Birch
Organically grown Flowers by The Garden Gate Flower Company
Handmade bespoke Cakes by The Natural Cake Company
Bespoke hand illustrated stationery on eco friendly paper by Charlie Scribble
Rustic and vintage wedding prop hire by Rustic Wedding Hire

Cornish cliff-top weddings are part of the reason I love Cornwall so much, as wedding photography is my passion – capturing the moments when people are at their happiest is such a privilege!

Contact me here for your wedding photography requirements in Cornwall.

The post The magic of Cornwall: cliff-top weddings by the sea appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.

I receive questions about photography & about being photographed almost daily. I share some of my favourite questions on the blog, so that everyone can benefit from the answers.

Q: What advice can you give about setting prices for those of us who are new to the photography industry?

Congratulations on setting up your photography business! And welcome to the never-ending deliberation over pricing… Pricing is quite a big & stretchy topic, and there’s no one-size fits all answer. It depends so much on your market, your business model, your experience and your own goals. But I’ll share some simple tips that will hopefully help you in the right direction.

First of all, you shouldn’t look at other people’s pricing too much, as everyone’s business is structured differently, and their life situations and needs are different from yours. While not ideal in the long term, a still much healthier place to start is a cost-based pricing model, which looks a little bit like this:

1) Work out your own annual cost of living. When doing this, add up everything you can possibly think of from your basic bills to other expenses which add up to the kind of life you would ideally want to live.
2) Work out your costs of running a business, including all your overheads and expenses you can think of.
3) Think about how many shoots you are comfortable doing in a year.
4) Divide the number you arrived at on the costs side with the number of shoots, and you’ll have your minimum that you’ll need to charge per session. Then add a margin for when things go wrong, and you’ll arrive at a sum that should at least keep you in business, and surviving in life.

If the sum you end up looks scary, realise that this is your issue, not necessarily your client’s. In order to justify what you’re charging to yourself, make sure your craft is at a level you are proud of, and that you are offering an exceptional experience and service to your clients.
When you set realistic prices from the start, you will have a much better chance of keeping your business alive, and you will eventually be ready to move on to a pricing model which will leave you with some more breathing space, too.

In order to understand your market, and what kind of pricing would work in it, I would also encourage you to have a business plan in place, and to keep updating it as you and your business evolves. If you feel like you could use some help with your plan, you might be interested in the 30-day Business Plan Refresh course, which I developed to guide you through the process. Good luck!

Are you a photographer or an aspiring creative business owner? Her Lovely Heart is my way of helping heart-led creatives to run their businesses with purpose, freedom, and joy. By subscribing to the Inspire Your Inbox letters, you’ll gain access to a library of free resources and worksheets, plus regular letters of inspiration from me straight to your inbox. Click here to join and receive instant access to The Library.

The post How to set prices for your new photography business appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.

Unfortunately a family photo shoot is too often a stressful dreaded date on the annual calendar, involving uncomfortable Sunday best clothes and awkward poses. But it doesn’t have to be! I’ve rather fallen in love with relaxed Family Together Sessions, and can’t wait to start doing more down in Cornwall. Wouldn’t you rather capture moments together while on a family weekend away to one of the most beautiful places the UK has to offer? Let me do your family shoot in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, and let’s make natural happy family memories to treasure together.

Things to Do

There’s so much to do for each member of the family. North Cornwall offers some brilliant family days out, including kite-surfing, cycling, rock pools and bird parks – read this article for some great ideas for the active family.  Don’t forget Newquay if you are looking for a surfing weekend, and lots to do in a trendy yet family friendly destination.

Some images from a Family Together Session in Rock with The Millard Family.

Places to Stay

Here are some family friendly accommodation recommendations.

Sands Resort
A family run resort offering 2 roomed family accommodation, excellent facilities and complimentary family activities.

Beach Retreats
Self-catering accommodation on the Cornish coast offering a choice in size and price to suit your requirements.  Pets are also accommodated and as a bonus, you can pre-order groceries which will be ready for you when you arrive.

Watergate Bay Hotel
On a spectacular beach in North Cornwall, this hotel offers a beach holiday complete with the ability to get active in the swim club or learn a new sport with the extreme academy offering lessons in surfing, kitesurfing, waveski, stand-up paddlesurf and handplaning.

Headland Hotel
An iconic family owned hotel and cottages in Newquay, offering a host of specials throughout the year to accommodate families – well worth checking out.

The Park at Mawgan Porth
Whatever your style of family holiday from camping to cottages to luxury summerhouses – you can find it all here.  Close to one of the best beaches, with plenty of things to do, this is a great option for families and friends to get away together.

Perran Springs
Keen on camping, caravanning and getting back to nature for your holiday?  Then this holiday park is just right for you. With different fishing options and nature trails, there is so much on offer here. For more holiday park options have a read here.

The iconic Headland Hotel in Newquay.

A Cornish sunset is the perfect way to end a day on the beach.

If you fancy combining a family holiday with a Family Together session, get in touch with me here and let’s talk!

The post The Magic of Cornwall: family fun in the sun appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.

I receive questions about photography & about being photographed almost daily. I share some of my favourite questions on the blog, so that everyone can benefit from the answers.

Q: I get really nervous when doing consultations. Can you please describe your first meeting with a potential wedding client?

These days I get so many wedding enquiries that I don’t generally get to meet the couple in person before a booking, as it would be a bit of a logistical nightmare, especially when there are more than one couple interested in the same date, which often is the case. I do try to meet with my wedding clients before their big day, though, whether at their engagement session or at a book consultation where we’ll look at some samples of albums and get to know each other better.

My main prerogative is to learn more about the client and their story, and to educate them about my process (although I do this with my material prior, so generally in meetings it’s more of a reminder), and to connect with who they are. Quite a few of my clients are based abroad, so sometimes meetings take place over skype, technology really has made such a difference to our lives in such a short space of time!

If you’re just starting out, and nervous about consultations, I think the best thing for you to do is to try to focus completely on the people in front of you and ask questions about them, rather than going in with a sales pitch and thinking you need to impress them with who you are and what you do.

After you’ve gotten to know a little bit more about the couple, do invite them to ask you questions, and then try to provide solutions for those answers. When it comes to talking about your pricing, practice makes perfect. Make sure you know your prices and are comfortable with them. You can even practice saying your prices out loud, so that when it comes to a consultation situation, you are able to do it confidently and calmly.

Don’t worry, after you’ve been meeting with potential clients for a while, you won’t even remember why it made you nervous in the beginning!

Are you a photographer or an aspiring creative business owner? Her Lovely Heart is my way of helping heart-led creatives to run their businesses with purpose, freedom, and joy. By subscribing to the Inspire Your Inbox letters, you’ll gain access to a library of free resources and worksheets, plus regular letters of inspiration from me straight to your inbox. Click here to join and receive instant access to The Library.

The post Overcoming your nerves about client consultations appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.

I receive questions about photography & about being photographed almost daily. I share some of my favourite questions on the blog, so that everyone can benefit from the answers.

Q: I sometimes go into a shoot thinking my clients will be good fun only to realise they are very awkward in front of the camera, which then causes me to freeze. What’s your number one tip for approaching a photo shoot in order to get the most natural results?

Great question! Reading this really took me back to a time when I too struggled with similar things, and it makes me truly appreciate how all the work I have put into this are has paid off, seeing how I’m able to fully enjoy pretty much any shoot situation and client interaction these days without worrying about things such as freezing or ‘difficult clients’.

You asked for my number one tip? Here it comes. Have no expectations. Having expectations on how the shoot will go, or what you want the outcome to be, is the quickest way to guarantee the kind of situation you describe. Based on what you (think you) know about the clients you might be expecting for them to act in a certain way.

You might, for example, go into a shoot with the expectation of a great success where your subjects naturally reveal their inner beauty in front of your camera, while perfect sunlight illuminates them in a magical way. Or conversely, you might have a client who you have pre-judged to behave in a certain negative way (perhaps based on an experience with someone who they remind you of) and you go into a shoot dreading it in advance, which doesn’t really pave the way for a successful session. In both of these scenarios, you are setting yourself up for failure.

The only way to truly allow your clients the safe space they need in order to reveal their true selves is to not have any expectations, and just be prepared to go with the flow and with an interest in learning more about who they are. By all means go in fully prepared in all the areas you can affect (time of day for light, gear for the type of shoot, logistics, backups and workflows) but always remember to clear your mind when it comes to your clients. Most of all, keep in mind that the session is about them and what they are comfortable giving, not about what you want out of them.

And those awkward moments? Get comfortable with them. When you learn to just stay calm through an awkward or silent moment, your clients will feel that and mirror you. Likewise, if you panic or freeze, your clients will take a cue from you and feel similarly.

Are you a photographer or an aspiring creative business owner? Her Lovely Heart is my way of helping heart-led creatives to run their businesses with purpose, freedom, and joy. By subscribing to the Inspire Your Inbox letters, you’ll gain access to a library of free resources and worksheets, plus regular letters of inspiration from me straight to your inbox. Click here to join and receive instant access to The Library.

The post How to deal with awkward photography subjects appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.

I receive questions about photography & about being photographed almost daily. I share some of my favourite questions on the blog, so that everyone can benefit from the answers.

Q: I’m an aspiring children’s portrait photographer and have spent the past 2 years learning the basics of my camera and Photoshop at home. Do you think it is important to have photography qualifications to get into the business or is a great portfolio enough?

I don’t think qualifications are crucial when it comes to getting work. Your ability, and confidence level in that ability, matters a lot more. If you feel like you can deliver a quality product to your clients and charge for it accordingly, qualifications don’t matter. However, if you don’t feel entirely comfortable with your equipment, or the level of work you produce, then I think the right thing to do is to get some training, and practice, practice, practice before you start charging money.

It’s also important to realise that just knowing the rules, or having a qualification that says you do, does not necessarily mean that you are able to translate that knowledge into a working situation. That’s why constant practice and shooting a LOT in order to push your skills is so important. A camera is a tool through which you translate how you personally see, and want to present, a scene. You’ll have to be able to make technical decisions based on, not only the external circumstances, but also on what kind of aesthetic, mood and message you want your image to have. There are no universal rules or settings that would work for every situation, especially if you want to make work that is distinctively yours.

Spending a lot of time with your equipment and learning how to use it to deliver your specific vision is the most important thing on the road making work that gets noticed.

Are you a photographer or an aspiring creative business owner? Her Lovely Heart is my way of helping heart-led creatives to run their businesses with purpose, freedom, and joy. By subscribing to the Inspire Your Inbox letters, you’ll gain access to a library of free resources and worksheets, plus regular letters of inspiration from me straight to your inbox. Click here to join and receive instant access to The Library.

The post Do you need photography qualifications appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.

I’ve been meaning to blog about some of my favourite places in London for those wanting to have a love affair with (and in) the city for ages, and today seemed like an apt day to finally do it! Having said that, London holds onto its romance all year around, not just on Valentine’s Day! Below you’ll find a selection of my favourite London locations, and some of my favourite photographs I’ve taken of couples in love in London. Without further ado, come with me and fall in love with London all over again!

Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain

While Picadilly Circus with it’s hustle and bustle isn’t quite what I had in mind for this list, I must begin from the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, and more specifically the iconic statue of Eros that stands in the middle of it. Said to be the most famous statue in London, Eros also known as Cupid, is the God of Selfless Love. That’s why this is where we begin our tour and follow Cupid’s arrow down Regent Street.

Liberty London

If you’re looking for a more romantic shopping (or browsing) experience, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Liberty London. The charm of it’s Tudor revival premises, and the beautiful luxury goods it sells, will make you feel like you’re inside a classic romantic film. The always inventive window displays at Christmas are also something that people travel from afar to admire.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is iconic from literature and movies, and no matter what time of year you stroll around its untamed paths you can’t escape the magic of ‘Lover’s Lane’, where one hand finds another and all the noise and stress of the city falls away. From Parliament Hill you’ll gaze across all of London, spotting landmarks old and new in a skyline which is evolving and reaching higher and higher towards the skies, from the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, to the familiar dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and newer landmarks in the City, such as the Gherkin and the Shard. In the summer, you can cool down by the ponds and relive scenes from famous movies. Grab a bite to eat at the cafe on the east side, or head into Hampstead for a hearty pub lunch.

Columbia Road Flower Market

If you want to treat your loved one (or your Instagram feed) to the most beautiful fresh flowers, it’s worthwhile to start your Sunday early and head to the Columbia Road Flower Market. At this heart-warmingly traditional setting, where the chants of the barrow boys entice you to fill your arms with more and more flowers, you’ll take in all the colours of the rainbow and the most wonderful fragrances of any type of flower you can imagine. And, after getting your floral fix, you might want to head to Ryantown, the store of charming paper artist Rob Ryan, which also resides on Columbia Road along with many other independent shops and galleries.

Kensington Roof Gardens

What’s more magical than real life flamingoes? Head to Kensington Roof Gardens, high above Kensington High Street, and that’s exactly what you’ll find. As well as being the location of a brasserie and a night club, there are three themed gardens, from the Spanish Garden to a Tudor Garden, that are free to visit during the day, and are the home to four resident flamingoes. It’s a little bit like stepping through the looking glass.

Primrose Hill

It’s no secret why Primrose Hill is the chosen area of the creative jet set, from actors to authors. With its chic boutiques and pretty stucco terraces, it’s the perfect backdrop for lazy strolls and sunny weekends spent sipping prosecco in the park. You’ll find many independent shops and places to eat around the hill, and the area is best for spending a lazy afternoon imagining you’ve stepped back in time to a London that’s quickly disappearing.

Leadenhall Market

There are many markets worth visiting in London, from Borough to Smithfield, but no doubt one of the most beautiful ones is Leadenhall Market, with its stunning Victorian splendour. Beware of getting a stiff neck from gazing up at the beautiful gabled glass roofs, which are immaculately preserved. You will recognise corners of the market from many movies from Harry Potter to The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus.

Round the corner, The Royal Exchange is also worth a visit, now beautifully restored and boasting luxury stores within its stunning 19th-century walls.

Peggy Porschen Parlour

The Peggy Porschen Parlour has become a must for couples in love visiting London. Stopping to sample the delicious cakes, and taking a few snaps in front of the picturesque pink frontage of this boutique bakery adds a bit of spring to anyone’s step. Located in stylish Belgravia, continuing your journey after a cupcake and a glass of champagne makes you skip all the way to Green Park.

The South Bank

Over the years, the south of the river has developed into a buzzing, lively hub for culture and relaxation, concentrated around the Southbank Centre. With the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall and galleries galore, you won’t run out of culture and art to experience. Taking a stroll on the riverbank is a feast that will always have something new to offer, from pop-up bars to changing riverside exhibitions and street entertainment. Don’t miss the charming Southbank book market underneath Waterloo bridge, or how in the summer, the pavement in front of the National Theatre gets transformed into the River Stage. You can also find a wide variety of different restaurants catering to most tastes.

If the weather is not playing ball, you can pop into the British Film Institute to catch a classic movie, with a meal afterwards in one of the many restaurants in the area catering to most tastes.

And, of course, for grand romantic gesture you can hire a private capsule on the London Eye and take in the sights of the whole city in style, while sipping champagne with your loved one.

Thames River Cruise

A river cruise is one of the most romantic ways of taking in the sights of the city, while dining out in style. There are many options available, from lunch cruises with delicious locally sourced food, to dinner cruises that let you enjoy the twinkling night time London reflecting back from the water around you. You’ll have unobstructed views of most of the iconic London sights from the Houses of Parliament to London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the Millennium Dome and beyond.

St James’s Park

St James’s Park is often overlooked in favour of the bigger royal parks, such as Hyde Park and Regents Park, but it has a certain charm of its own due to its size and central location. There’s something rather exotic about the lake filled with swans and pelicans, and it boasts the most spectacular display of blossoming trees in the spring. The Blue Bridge, which runs across the middle of the lake, offers beautiful views of Whitehall to the east, and Buckingham Palace to the west. All of London’s big attractions are just a skip and hop away, and the park is usually quieter than other royal parks, offering a perfect place to rest tired feet.

Courtyard at Somerset House

Every time you step into the courtyard in front of Somerset House it slightly takes your breath away. Flanked by the gorgeous 18th-century building, the courtyard has become a hub for culture and leisure. From hosting concerts and other events, to transforming into an ice skating rink in the winter, the courtyard offers magic all year round. In the summer the courtyard is also a home to outdoor cinema screenings, perfect for snuggling next to your loved one under a blanket with a picnic in tow, watching classic movies on a massive screen under the expanse of London night sky.

Romantic places to lay your head in London

After a day traipsing around the streets of London, taking in the layered history of this city, you’ll want to put your feet up somewhere warm and cozy. Here is a selection of my favourite London hotels, each of them offering something special and unique while guaranteed to offer you a restful (or sensual, whichever you prefer!) night.

Zetter Townhouse
Charlotte Street Hotel
Ace Hotel Shoreditch
Number Sixteen
Citizen M Bankside
Dean Street Townhouse

There are so many other spots in London that didn’t make the list this time! If you have lost your heart to a certain corner of London, do pop your tips and thoughts in the comments below!

The post Love affair with London: Favourite Romantic Locations appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.

I’m sorry, I’ve been very bad at blogging lately. I’m going to fix that, soon, but before I get to it properly here’s a little something from the April issue of Professional Photography magazine. Recently, they asked me some questions about how I do my bookkeeping, and I got to praise Light Blue Software (which I love!), and in the end, my ramblings got featured across a whole page, which was unexpectedly nice!

The post Q&A in Professional Photography magazine appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.

After the whirlwind of 2015, during which I relocated all the way to the shores of the Atlantic in Cornwall, and when there was no time for a workshop, I’m so happy to let you know that Live What You Love workshop 2016 is happening in October!

If you want to wake up every day feeling as excited about your business, as you do about your photography, this workshop is for you. We’ll talk about how to build a business that feels authentic and meaningful, for both you and your clients. We’ll also have a shoot during which I’ll demonstrate how to direct your couple using the Moment Design (aka Beloved) technique, which enables even the shyest photographers to capture authentic moments and emotions with their clients.

The workshop takes place in an intimate setting in Basingstoke, on Sunday the 2nd of October. You can find all the details through the Her Lovely Heart website.

I keep my workshops small so that everyone has a chance to get their questions answered, which means places are strictly limited. If your heart is pulling you towards it, act fast to avoid disappointment and book your seat now!

The post A workshop for quiet, heart-led photographers appeared first on London & Cornwall Wedding Photographer Marianne Taylor | Creative wedding, couple & family reportage photography covering Cornwall, London, UK and overseas.